The discipline of Sociology is one of the academic pillars on which The Australian National University was built. The defining characteristic of sociology at ANU since the discipline was first institutionalised in the 1960s has been constructive engagement with the big issues facing Australian and global societies. The discipline’s early focus on issues of inequality, stratification and the experience of migrants living in Australia played a major role in Australia’s official shift to policy frameworks based around the concept of multiculturalism.

The ANU School of Sociology has an exciting program of research and teaching that combines the theoretical and applied dimensions of the discipline. Our research and teaching ethos is orientated to the critical analysis of social transformations; publically engaged in its aspirations and impact, and dedicated to examining inequality in its various manifestations. We recently achieved a ranking of above world standard in the Excellence in Research for Australia evaluation.

The school's disciplinary strengths are in social, cultural and feminist theory; education; health; digital sociology; risk and consumption; and social research methods. Staff hold a range of category 1 and 2 grants and are engaged in diverse national and international interdisciplinary collaborations. Research and teaching themes that crosscut these disciplinary strengths include embodiment and new technologies, mobilities, surveillance, media politics, gender and sexuality, the changing nature of work and inequality.

ANU provides a unique environment in which to study sociology. Located in our national seat of government, Canberra, ANU is Australia’s premier research university and is world-renowned for its depth and breadth in the social and political sciences. Whether you are interested in studying sociology, enrolling in a research degree, applying for a visiting fellowship or consulting the experts on social change, we welcome your enquiry.

The School's research strengths are currently organised around four research nodes:

• Economy, Inequality & Resistance (EIR)
• Embodiment, Gender & Health (EGH)
• Environment, Nature & Society (ENS)
• Technology, Media & Infrastructures (TMI)

The School of Sociology hold a variety of events, lectures, seminars and launches for staff, students and interested people. Please check this website for upcoming events and the latest news.